Stefanik language included in Intelligence Authorization Act

House officials said language from Rep. Elise Stefanik’s (R-NY) Counterintelligence Accountability Act bill has been incorporated in the 2019 Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA).

The IAA ensures the Intelligence Community has the necessary resources, funding, and authorities to protect and defend the United States. The bill supports critical national security programs, particularly those focused on countering terrorism and cyberattacks.

The Counterintelligence Accountability Act would require the FBI to notify the House and Senate Intelligence Committee quarterly when the agency opens a counterintelligence investigation into a candidate for Federal office, campaign for a candidate for Federal office or an individual knowingly associated with a campaign for a candidate for Federal office.

The 2019 IAA stipulates the FBI notify congressional intelligence committees not less frequently than once each quarter when they are engaged in counterintelligence activities in the United States.

“The Intelligence Authorization Act is a critical piece of legislation to ensure our Intelligence Community is fully prepared to protect our nation,” Stefanik said. “I’m pleased that language from my bill to ensure Congress is notified of any counterintelligence investigations into federal candidates was included in the IAA. The FBI should not be able to circumvent Congress and unilaterally conduct investigations without any congressional oversight due to a loophole in the law, and I’m proud to continue leading the effort for transparency at all levels of the government.”